The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1950

"Yeah, Bella wished us a Happy New Year bright and early, and even had someone drop off gifts," Grandpa Beck mused, just as his smartphone chimed. Glancing down, he saw a notification - Arabella had accepted his cash gift!

"There we have it, she took it, she finally took it!" Grandpa Beck couldn't contain his joy. "Must've been too busy to check her phone until now. That girl, working hard even on the holidays. I wish I could take some of that workload off her shoulders."

"She accepted, she really did." Grandpa Charles joined in the merriment. "Beck, at our age, we might only be able to pitch in for a few more years. Besides, Bella's all grown up; she doesn't need an old-timer like you to share the burden. We should just make sure we're not holding her back."

"And let's not forget, she attends all sorts of events as a fiancée. We can't take that off her plate. But she's wise beyond her years. If she starts spinning like a top from all the busyness, she's got that McMillian boy to keep her in line, right?"

Grandpa Eugene's words sent Grandpa Beck into a fit of laughter. "That's right."

Arabella had accepted their gifts, knowing full well they'd be miffed if she didn't. She sent a voice message thanking them for the gift and telling them to get some rest, promising they'd catch up the next day.

"Look at that, Bella's concerned about me!" Grandpa Beck cleared his throat, trying to sound his most affectionate, "Sweetheart, you get some rest too. Tomorrow's your big welcome home party, and we'll be there bright and early. I was going to ask for your help choosing a suit from the several I've picked out, but Mr. Eugene said not to bother you with such trifles. So we've all helped each other pick out our outfits."

"Okay, okay, enough about that. Weren't we telling Bella to get some rest? You're going on and on again." Grandpa Charles chuckled, interrupting him before addressing Arabella, "Sweetie, go get some sleep. From tomorrow on, everything’s going to get better and better."

The grandpas were thrilled to catch a reply from Arabella and couldn't resist responding, each taking their turn. Arabella, with a gentle smile free of any impatience, even sent a video to chat with them for a while before finally saying goodnight.

The next morning, Arabella woke up to find the best stylists, makeup artists, and photographers had already arrived at Reflections Villa.

As she stepped out of her room after freshening up, everyone bowed in greeting and introduced themselves.